Server, computer program for server, and control method of server

Abstract

To provide a technique for improving convenience of a user who uses a service.SOLUTION: The server includes a first processing execution unit configured to execute a first provision process using first type information stored in a memory, the first provision process being a process for providing a first service related to a first printer identified by first identification information included in the first type information, and a storage control unit configured to store, in the memory, grant information indicating that a privilege has been granted to a user who uses the first service in association with the first type information when second type information different from the first type information is stored in the memory in association with the first type information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a server that provides a service. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a service for shipping printer consumables. The printing device in Patent Document 1 determines whether or not a service contract has been made when the remaining amount of consumables used for printing falls below a predetermined threshold. If it is determined that a service contract has been made, a request for delivery of the consumables is made, and if it is determined that a service contract has not been made, a screen prompting the user to make a contract for the service is displayed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-111023 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned technology, once a user signs a contract for a service, the service is simply provided to the user without any change until the contract is terminated. This technology is insufficient to make the user realize that the service is more attractive. This specification provides technology that improves the convenience of users who use a service and further makes the user realize that the service is more attractive. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The server disclosed in this specification comprises a first processing execution unit that executes a first provision process using a first type of information stored in a memory, the first provision process being a process for providing a first service related to a first printer identified by first identification information included in the first type of information, and a storage control unit that, when second type of information different from the first type of information is stored in the memory in association with the first type of information, stores in the memory grant information indicating that a benefit has been granted to a user using the first service in association with the first type of information.

[0006] According to the above configuration, a benefit is given to the user on the condition that the second type of information is stored. The user can use the benefit to more conveniently use the first service. The user can perceive the first service as more attractive.

[0007] A computer program for the server and a computer-readable storage medium for storing the computer program are also novel and useful. Also, a control method for the server is novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the service server. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the account server. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a process for registering optional information. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of the process of providing a service and the process of granting a benefit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of a process for providing a benefit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of the process of assigning a specific attribute. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) The communication system 2 includes a service server 10, an account server 100, a printer 300, and a terminal device 400. The terminal device 400 is a laptop PC, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a desktop PC, or the like. The printer 300 is a peripheral device of the terminal device 400 and has a printing function. Note that the printer 300 may be a multi-function device that has multiple functions, such as a scanning function, in addition to the printing function.

[0010] The terminal device 400 and the printer 300 are connected to a local area network (LAN) 4. The LAN 4 may be wired or wireless. The LAN 4 is connected to the Internet 6. A service server 10 and an account server 100 are connected to the Internet 6. The service server 10 and the account server 100 can communicate with devices on the LAN 4 (e.g., the terminal device 400) via the Internet 6. The service server 10 can also communicate with the account server 100 via the Internet 6. The service server 10 and the account server 100 are installed on the Internet 6 by, for example, the vendor of the printer 300.

[0011] (Configuration of service server 10; Figure 2) The service server 10 is a server for providing a subscription service (hereinafter referred to as the "subscription service") for the printer 300. In the subscription service, only a basic fee is charged if the number of printed pages within a unit period (e.g., one month) is less than or equal to a maximum number of printed pages (e.g., 100 pages). If the number of printed pages within the unit period exceeds the maximum number of printed pages, the sum of the basic fee and an additional fee corresponding to the number of printed pages exceeding the maximum number of printed pages is charged. The subscription service includes an automatic shipping service that automatically ships a new cartridge when the remaining amount of color material (e.g., ink, toner, etc.) in a color material cartridge installed in the printer 300 falls below a specified level. The cost of the cartridge is included in the basic fee for the subscription service. Note that, below, color material cartridges are referred to as "CTG."

[0012] The service server 10 includes a communication interface 20 and a control unit 30. Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F." The communication I / F 20 is an I / F for executing communication via the Internet 6, and is connected to the Internet 6.

[0013] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 is, for example, a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The CPU 32 executes various processes in accordance with a program 36 stored in the memory 34.

[0014] The memory 34 stores a service table 38. The service table 38 stores information for providing subscription services. The service table 38 stores a management identifier, a serial number, the number of printed sheets, and grant information in association with each other. The management identifier is an identifier used for linking with the account server 100 and is shared between the service server 10 and the account server 100. The management identifier is issued, for example, by the service server 10. One management identifier is issued for one piece of account information. The serial number is a number that identifies a printer. The service table 38 stores one or more serial numbers in association with one management identifier. The number of printed sheets is the total number of sheets printed by the printer identified by the corresponding serial number within a unit period. The grant information is information indicating that a benefit has been granted to a user using the subscription service. The benefit may be, for example, an increase in the maximum number of printed sheets (e.g., an increase of 10 sheets), which is the criterion for determining whether an additional fee should be added, or a discount on the basic fee. The benefit may also be the granting of points provided by a specified point service. The points can be used to pay for subscription services. The specified point service may be provided by the vendor of printer 300, or by a vendor other than the vendor of printer 300 (for example, a vendor of an electronic commerce (EC) site). The benefit may also be a gift of consumables such as CTG or printing paper. The grant information indicates the content of the benefit granted (for example, the additional number of sheets, "10 sheets"). If no benefit is granted, the grant information indicates that no benefit is granted. In a modified example, the grant information may be a flag indicating either a value indicating that a benefit has been granted or a value indicating that no benefit has been granted.

[0015] (Configuration of account server 100; Figure 3) The account server 100 is a server that manages information related to users. The account server 100 includes a communication I / F 120 and a control unit 130. The communication I / F 120 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 executes various processes in accordance with a program 136 stored in the memory 134.

[0016] The memory 134 stores an account table 138. The account table 138 stores information about each of a plurality of users. The account table 138 stores a user's account information (e.g., account name), a management identifier, service information, optional information, and a serial number, in association with each other. The service information is information necessary to provide a subscription service. The service information is, for example, shipping address information indicating the address to which the CTG shipped for the subscription service is to be shipped, payment information used to pay the subscription service fee, the user's email address, etc. The payment information is, for example, a credit card number. The optional information is information that the user can select whether or not to register with the account server 100. The optional information includes multiple items. The multiple items are, for example, the user's occupation, gender, age, and intended use of the printer. The service server 10 can provide the subscription service even if the optional information is not stored in the account table 138.

[0017] The account table 138 stores one or more serial numbers for each piece of account information. The serial numbers in the account table 138 indicate one or more printers managed by the user who uses the account information. The number of serial numbers in the service table 38 does not have to be the same as the number of serial numbers in the account table 138. For example, in the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3, the serial number SN3 is stored in the account table 138 but is not stored in the service table 38. This means that the user uses the printer 300 identified by the serial number SN3 but does not receive a subscription service for the printer 300 identified by the serial number SN3.

[0018] (Optional information registration; Figure 4) The process of registering optional information in the account server 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. In the initial state of FIG. 4, a user has signed up for a subscription service for two printers 300 corresponding to serial numbers SN1 and SN2. In accordance with the subscription service contract, a management identifier MD1 is issued by the service server 10, and the serial numbers SN1 and SN2 are stored in the service table 38 (see FIG. 2). Also, in the initial state of FIG. 4, the account table 138 stores service information SI1 in association with account information AC1, but does not store optional information in association with account information AC1. Note that, for ease of understanding, the process executed by the CPU of a device (e.g., CPU 32 of the service server 10) will be described below as a process executed by the device itself.

[0019] At T10, the terminal device 400 receives user input of account information AC1. At T12, the terminal device 400 transmits a login request to the service server 10, requesting login to the service server 10. The login request includes the account information AC1 input at T10.

[0020] When the service server 10 receives a login request from the terminal device 400 at T12, the service server 10 transmits the account information AC1 included in the login request to the account server 100 at T14.

[0021] At T14, when the account server 100 receives the account information AC1 from the service server 10, it authenticates the account information AC1. In this case, the account information AC1 is already stored in the account table 138. At T16, the account server 100 determines that the authentication of the account information AC1 has been successful. The account server 100 then transmits a success notification to the service server 10 notifying that the authentication of the account information AC1 has been successful. The success notification includes the management identifier MD1 that is stored in association with the account information AC1 in the account table 138. As a result of the account server 100 successfully authenticating the account information AC1, the terminal device 400 successfully logs in to the service server 10.

[0022] When the service server 10 receives a success notification from the account server 100 in T18, the service server 10 transmits home screen information representing a home screen of the subscription service to the terminal device 400 in T20.

[0023] When the terminal device 400 receives home screen information from the service server 10 at T20, it displays the home screen represented by the home screen information at T22. In this case, the user performs a specific operation on the home screen. This causes an input screen for inputting optional information to be displayed, allowing the user to input the optional information. In other words, the user can input the optional information at any timing when performing the specific operation.

[0024] When the terminal device 400 receives a specific operation from the user at T30, it transmits an input screen request requesting an input screen to the service server 10 at T32. As a result, at T34, the terminal device 400 receives input screen information representing the input screen from the service server 10 as a response to the input screen request. At T36, the terminal device 400 displays the input screen represented by the input screen information.

[0025] At T40, the terminal device 400 receives user input of optional information PI1 on the input screen. The user inputs a value for at least one item of the optional information. At T42, the terminal device 400 transmits the optional information PI1 input at T40 to the service server 10.

[0026] When the service server 10 receives the arbitrary information PI1 from the terminal device 400 at T42, it transmits a registration request requesting registration of the arbitrary information to the account server 100 at T44. The registration request includes the arbitrary information PI1 received at T42 and the management identifier MD1.

[0027] When the account server 100 receives the registration request from the service server 10 at T44, it stores the arbitrary information PI1 in the registration request in association with the management identifier MD1 in the registration request in the account table 138 at T46. As a result, the arbitrary information PI1 related to the user who uses the account information AC1 is registered in the account server 100.

[0028] (Provision of services and granting of benefits; Figure 5) The process of providing a service to a user and the process of granting a benefit to a user will be described with reference to Figure 5. In this case, the user has initially signed up for a subscription service for two printers 300 corresponding to serial numbers SN1 and SN2. In response to signing up for the subscription service, the printer 300 starts periodically sending status information indicating the current status of the printer 300 to the service server 10 in T100. The status information includes the serial number of the printer 300, the cumulative number of printed pages of the printer 300, and the remaining amount of CTG currently installed in the printer 300.

[0029] When the service server 10 receives status information from the printer 300 in T100, it updates the service table 38 in T102 using the status information received in T100. Specifically, the service server 10 stores the status information previously received from the printer 300. The service server 10 calculates the difference between the cumulative number of printed sheets in the status information currently received and the cumulative number of printed sheets in the status information previously received, and adds this difference to the number of printed sheets associated with the serial number in the status information currently received.

[0030] The service server 10 also determines whether the remaining amount in the status information received in T100, i.e., the remaining amount in the CTG, is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If the service server 10 determines that the remaining amount is equal to or less than the predetermined value, it dispatches a new CTG. Specifically, the service server 10 requests service information SI1 from the account server 100 and receives from the account server 100 the service information SI1 stored in association with the serial number in the status information. The service server 10 outputs an instruction to dispatch the new CTG to the address indicated by the dispatch destination information in the received service information SI1. This instruction is output, for example, to the terminal of the worker dispatching the CTG. The subscription service is provided to the user through the processing of T100 and T102.

[0031] Furthermore, in T110, the service server 10 monitors for the occurrence of a predetermined event that will trigger the execution of the processing from T112 onward for granting a benefit to the user. The predetermined event is, for example, the arrival of the date and time when the provision of the benefit begins, or the number of printed sheets within a unit period exceeding a threshold. In a modified example, the predetermined event may be the completion of a contract for a subscription service, the passage of a predetermined period (e.g., one week) since the completion of the contract for the subscription service, or the arrival of a regular period (e.g., one month) since the completion of the contract for the subscription service.

[0032] At T110, the service server 10 determines that a predetermined event has occurred, and proceeds to processing at T112 and thereafter. At T112, the service server 10 transmits an arbitrary information request requesting arbitrary information to the account server 100. The arbitrary information request includes a management identifier MD1. As a result, at T114, the service server 10 receives from the account server 100 the arbitrary information PI1 that is stored in association with the management identifier MD1 in the arbitrary information request.

[0033] In T120, the service server 10 determines whether the optional information PI1 received from the account server 100 satisfies the granting condition. In this embodiment, the granting condition is that values ​​have been registered for all items included in the received optional information PI1. If the service server 10 determines that the granting condition is not satisfied (NO in T120), it skips the processing from T122 onwards and terminates the processing in FIG. 5. If the service server 10 determines that the granting condition is satisfied (YES in T120), it proceeds to the processing from T122 onwards.

[0034] In T122, the service server 10 stores the grant information GI1 in association with the management identifier MD1 in the service table 38. As a result, a benefit is granted to the user of the account information AC1 corresponding to the management identifier MD1.

[0035] In T124, the service server 10 sends a grant email indicating that a special benefit has been granted to the email address included in the service information SI1 corresponding to the management identifier MD1. In this embodiment, the email address included in the service information SI1 is registered in the mailer of the terminal device 400. In T126, the terminal device 400 displays the grant email. The user can see the grant email and know that a special benefit has been granted. In a modified example, a Short Message Service (SMS) or a Social Networking Service (SNS) may be used instead of email. In another modified example, the service server 10 may send a message indicating that a special benefit has been granted to the printer 300, and the message may be displayed on a panel of the printer 300.

[0036] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, a benefit is given to the user on the condition that the arbitrary information PI1 is stored (T122 in FIG. 5). The user can use the benefit to use the subscription service more conveniently. In particular, in this embodiment, the benefit can be given to the user as a reward for registering values ​​for all items. The user can perceive the subscription service as more attractive.

[0037] Furthermore, in variant 1 of this embodiment, the condition for granting a benefit is that values ​​have been registered in a specific item among all items included in the received arbitrary information PI1. The specific item is, for example, the user's age. In this variant, the condition is met even if values ​​have not been registered in items other than the specific item. A benefit can be granted to the user as a reward for registering values ​​in the specific item.

[0038] In addition, in the second modification of this embodiment, the condition for granting a bonus is that the received arbitrary information PI1 indicates that values ​​have been registered in a predetermined number of items (for example, three items). A bonus can be granted to the user as a reward for registering values ​​in many items.

[0039] In addition, in the third modification of this embodiment, the condition for granting the privilege is that the value of a specific item in the received arbitrary information PI1 indicates a predetermined value. For example, the specific item is the user's age, and the predetermined value is a value of 60 years or older. The privilege can be granted only to users who satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0040] The granting condition may also be determined based on information other than the arbitrary information. In the fourth modification of this embodiment, the granting condition is that a predetermined number or more of printers 300 are registered in the service table 38. Specifically, the service server 10 identifies the number of serial numbers stored in the service table 38 in association with the management identifier MD1. The service server 10 then determines that the granting condition is met if the number of identified serial numbers is a predetermined number (e.g., three) or more. A benefit can be granted to the user as a reward for using the subscription service for a large number of printers 300. Note that in this modification, the processes of T112 and T114 in FIG. 5 do not need to be executed.

[0041] Further, another modification of the conditions for providing the conditions may be a combination of at least two of the above-described embodiment and modifications 1 to 4.

[0042] (Correspondence) The service server 10 and the account server 100 are examples of a "server." The memory 34 and the memory 134 are examples of a "memory." The management identifier MD1 and the serial number are examples of "first type of information." The serial numbers SN1 and SN2 are examples of "first identification information" and "second identification information," respectively. The printer 300 having the serial number SN1 and the printer 300 having the serial number SN2 are examples of a "first printer" and a "second printer," respectively. A subscription service is an example of a "first service" and a "second service." T100 and T102 in FIG. 5 are examples of a "first provision process" and a "second provision process." In the first embodiment and modifications 1 to 3, the arbitrary information PI1 is an example of "second type of information." In modification 4, the serial number SN2 is an example of "second type of information." The assigned information GI1 is an example of "assigned information."

[0043] 5 are examples of processing implemented by a "first processing execution unit." T122 is an example of processing implemented by a "storage control unit."

[0044] (Second Example) (Granting of benefits; Figure 6) This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the process of granting a benefit to a user. T210 to T220 are the same as T110 to T120 in Fig. 5. When the service server 10 determines that the granting condition is met (YES in T220), it executes the same processes as T122 and T124 in Fig. 5. On the other hand, when the service server 10 determines that the granting condition is not met (NO in T220), it proceeds to the process from T230 onwards.

[0045] At T230, the service server 10 sends a notification email to the email address included in the service information SI1 corresponding to the management identifier MD1, informing the user that a special benefit will be granted by registering optional information. As a result, the terminal device 400 displays the notification email at T232.

[0046] The information email includes a link for accessing the service server 10 (for example, a string of characters "Register here"). The link includes a uniform resource locator (URL) of the service server 10. In this case, the user selects a link in the information screen. When the link in the information screen is selected in T240, the terminal device 400 accesses the service server 10 using the URL in the link and displays a screen for inputting account information. As a result, in T242, the processes of T10 to T46 in FIG. 4 are executed, and the optional information PI1 is registered in the account server 100. Note that in a modified example, the information email does not need to include a link, and it is sufficient to simply make the user aware of a more attractive service. In another modified example, SMS or SNS may be used instead of email. In another modified example, the service server 10 may send a message to the printer 300 informing the user that a benefit will be granted by registering the optional information, and the message may be displayed on a panel of the printer 300.

[0047] T250 to T256 are the same as T120 to T126 in Fig. 5. According to this embodiment, when the conditions for granting the benefit are not met and the benefit is not granted, the user can be notified of a guide to receive the benefit. By making the user perceive the service as more attractive, it is possible to prevent the user from missing an opportunity to receive the benefit. The guide email of T230 is an example of a "message."

[0048] (Third Example) (Configuration of communication system 3; Figure 7) The communication system 3 of this embodiment includes a service server 200 in addition to the devices 10, 100, 300, and 400 of the communication system 2 of the first embodiment. The service server 200 is installed on the Internet 6. The service server 200 is a server for providing a pay-per-use service related to the printer 300. The pay-per-use service includes an automatic shipping service of CTG, and the user is charged for each new cartridge shipped.

[0049] The service server 200 stores a service table 238. The service table 238 stores information for providing pay-per-use services. The service table 238 stores management identifiers and serial numbers in association with each other. The management identifiers in the service table 238 are issued by the service server 200 and are shared by the service server 200 and the account server 100.

[0050] In this embodiment, a user having account information AC1 has subscribed not only to the subscription service provided by the service server 10 but also to the pay-as-you-go service provided by the service server 200. In this embodiment, the account table 138 stores, in association with the account information AC1, the management identifier MD2 issued by the service server 200 in addition to the management identifier MD1 issued by the service server 10.

[0051] (Granting benefits; Figure 8) The process of granting a benefit to a user will be described with reference to Figure 8. In the initial state of this case, the user has contracted for a subscription service for two printers 300 corresponding to serial numbers SN1 and SN2, and a pay-as-you-go service for two printers 300 corresponding to serial numbers SN3 and SN4 (see Figure 7). Note that with the pay-as-you-go service, the same processes as T100 and T102 in Figure 5 are executed, and the CTG is automatically sent.

[0052] T310 is the same as T110 in Fig. 5. In T312, the service server 10 transmits an inquiry request to the account server 100 to inquire about information related to the pay-as-you-go service. The inquiry request includes the management identifier MD1.

[0053] When the account server 100 receives an inquiry request from the service server 10 in T312, it identifies in T314 from the account table 138 the management identifier MD2 that is stored in association with the account information AC1 that is the same as the management identifier MD1 included in the inquiry request. In T316, the account server 100 transmits a quantity request to the service server 200, requesting the number of printers 300 registered in the pay-as-you-go service. The quantity request includes the management identifier MD2 identified in T314.

[0054] When the service server 200 receives the number request from the account server 100 in T316, it identifies in T318 the number of serial numbers stored in the service table 238 in association with the management identifier MD2 included in the number request. In this case, the number identified is "2." In T320, the service server 200 transmits a response to the number request to the account server 100, including the number "2" identified in T318.

[0055] When the account server 100 receives a response from the service server 200 in T320, it transmits a response to the inquiry request in T312 to the service server 10 in T322. The response in T322 includes the number "2" included in the response in T320.

[0056] When the service server 10 receives a response from the account server 100 in T322, it identifies the number of serial numbers stored in the service table 38 in association with the management identifier MD1. In this case, the number identified is "2." In the following T324, the service server 10 adds the number received in T322 and the number identified from the service table 38 to calculate the total number. In this case, the total number calculated is "4."

[0057] In T330, the service server 10 determines whether the number received in T322 is "0." If the service server 10 determines that the number received in T322 is "0" (YES in T330), it skips the processing from T332 onward and terminates the processing in Fig. 8. On the other hand, if the service server 10 determines that the number received in T322 is not "0" (NO in T330), it proceeds to T332.

[0058] In T332, the service server 10 determines whether the total number calculated in T324 is greater than a predetermined number. In this case, the predetermined number is three. In this case, the service server 10 determines that the total number "four" is greater than the predetermined number "three" (YES in T332), and proceeds to the processing from T334 onwards. T334 to T338 are the same as T122 to T126 in FIG. 5. On the other hand, if the service server 10 determines that the total number is equal to or less than the predetermined number (NO in T332), it skips the processing from T334 onwards and ends the processing in FIG. 8. Note that the predetermined number is not limited to three, and may be a number other than three, for example, four or two.

[0059] In this embodiment, when the total number of printers 300 used for the subscription service and the pay-per-use service is greater than a predetermined number, the grant information GI1 is stored in the service table 38 (YES in T330, T332 in FIG. 8). A special benefit can be granted to the user as a reward for using both the subscription service and the pay-per-use service for a large number of printers 300.

[0060] (Correspondence) A subscription service and a pay-per-use service are examples of a "first service" and a "second service", respectively. Serial number SN1 and serial number SN3 are examples of "first identification information" and "second identification information", respectively. A serial number in service table 238 is an example of "second type of information". Memories 34, 134 and the memory of service server 200 are examples of "memory".

[0061] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above-mentioned embodiments are listed below.

[0062] (Variation 5) In the first and second embodiments, the functions of the service server 10 and the functions of the account server 100 may be realized by one server. In the third embodiment, the functions of the service servers 10 and 200 and the functions of the account server 100 may be realized by one server. In this variation, the one server is an example of a "server."

[0063] (Variation 6) The "first service" may be a pay-per-use service, or may be a service other than a subscription service or a pay-per-use service. The other service may be, for example, a service that manages the current status of the printer 300. The "second service" may be a subscription service, or may be another service. Generally speaking, the "first service" and the "second service" may be any service related to the printer.

[0064] (Variation 7) In the above embodiment, the CPUs 32 and 132 execute the programs 36 and 136 to realize the processes shown in Figures 5 to 6 and 8. Alternatively, any of the processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0065] Furthermore, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings may exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings simultaneously achieve multiple objectives, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful.

[0066] In the scope of the claims at the time of filing, even if each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the fact that each claim can depend on only those some of the claims. To the extent that there is no technical contradiction, each claim can also depend on other claims that were not dependent at the time of filing. In other words, the technology of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: The features of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below. (Item 1) a server, a first processing execution unit that executes a first providing process using first type of information stored in a memory, the first providing process being a process for providing a first service related to a first printer identified by first identification information included in the first type of information; a storage control unit that, when second type information different from the first type information is stored in the memory in association with the first type information, stores in the memory grant information indicating that a privilege has been granted to a user who uses the first service in association with the first type information; A server comprising: (Item 2) Item 2. The server according to item 1, wherein the second type of information is specific information among two or more pieces of information that may be arbitrarily stored in the memory. (Item 3) the second type of information is arbitrary information that may be stored in the memory, The server according to item 1, wherein the storage control unit stores the additional information in the memory when a predetermined number or more of the optional information are stored in the memory as the second type of information. (Item 4) The server described in item 1, wherein the storage control unit stores the attached information in the memory when the second type of information is stored in the memory and the content of the second type of information indicates a predetermined content. (Item 5) the second type of information includes second identification information that identifies a second printer different from the first printer; The server further The server described in item 1 is provided with a second processing execution unit that executes a second providing process using the second type of information stored in the memory, the second providing process being a process for providing a second service related to the second printer identified by the second identification information included in the second type of information. (Item 6) Item 6. The server according to item 5, wherein the second service is the same type of service as the first service. (Item 7) Item 6. The server according to item 5, wherein the second service is a different type of service from the first service. (Item 8) The server according to any one of items 5 to 7, wherein the storage control unit stores the attachment information in the memory when a predetermined number or more of multiple pieces of identification information, including the first identification information and the second identification information, are stored in the memory. (Item 9) The server further A server according to any one of items 1 to 8, comprising a notification unit that notifies a user of a message instructing the user to store the second type of information in the memory if the second type of information is not stored in the memory. (Item 10) 10. The server according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the first service is a service for shipping consumables for the first printer. (Item 11) A computer program for a server, comprising: The computer program controls the server computer to operate as follows: a first processing execution unit that executes a first providing process using first type of information stored in a memory, the first providing process being a process for providing a first service related to a first printer identified by first identification information included in the first type of information; a storage control unit that, when second type information different from the first type information is stored in the memory in association with the first type information, stores in the memory grant information indicating that a privilege has been granted to a user who uses the first service in association with the first type information; A computer program that functions as a (Item 12) A method for controlling a server, comprising: a first processing execution step of executing a first providing process by utilizing first type of information stored in a memory, the first providing process being a process for providing a first service related to a first printer identified by first identification information included in the first type of information; a storage control step of storing, in the memory, grant information indicating that a privilege has been granted to a user who uses the first service, in association with the first information, when second information different from the first information is stored in association with the first information; A control method that functions as a [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 2, 3: communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10: service server, 20: communication I / F, 30: control unit, 32: CPU, 34: memory, 36: program, 38: service table, 100: account server, 120: communication I / F, 130: control unit, 132: CPU, 134: memory, 136: program, 138: account table, 200: service server, 238: service table, 300: printer, 400: terminal device, AC1: account information, GI1: assigned information, MD1, MD2: management identifier, PI1: arbitrary information, SI1: service information, SN1, SN2, SN3: serial number

Claims

1. a server, a first processing execution unit that executes a first providing process using first type of information stored in a memory, the first providing process being a process for providing a first service related to a first printer identified by first identification information included in the first type of information; a storage control unit that, when second type information different from the first type information is stored in the memory in association with the first type information, stores in the memory grant information indicating that a privilege has been granted to a user who uses the first service in association with the first type information; A server comprising:

2. 2. The server according to claim 1, wherein the second type of information is specific information among two or more pieces of information that may be arbitrarily stored in the memory.

3. the second type of information is optional information that may be stored in the memory, The server according to claim 1 , wherein the storage control unit stores the additional information in the memory when a predetermined number or more of the optional information are stored in the memory as the second type of information.

4. The server according to claim 1, wherein the storage control unit stores the additional information in the memory when the second type of information is stored in the memory and the content of the second type of information indicates a predetermined content.

5. the second type of information includes second identification information that identifies a second printer different from the first printer; The server further 2. The server according to claim 1, further comprising: a second processing execution unit that executes a second providing process using the second type of information stored in the memory, the second providing process being a process for providing a second service related to the second printer identified by the second identification information included in the second type of information.

6. The server of claim 5 , wherein the second service is the same type of service as the first service.

7. The server of claim 5 , wherein the second service is a different type of service from the first service.

8. The server according to claim 5, wherein the storage control unit stores the attribute information in the memory when a predetermined number or more of identification information including the first identification information and the second identification information are stored in the memory.

9. The server further 9. The server according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a user of a message instructing the user to store the second type of information in the memory when the second type of information is not stored in the memory.

10. The server according to claim 1 , wherein the first service is a service for shipping consumables for the first printer.

11. A computer program for a server, comprising: The computer program controls the server computer to operate as follows: a first processing execution unit that executes a first providing process using first type of information stored in a memory, the first providing process being a process for providing a first service related to a first printer identified by first identification information included in the first type of information; a storage control unit that, when second type information different from the first type information is stored in the memory in association with the first type information, stores in the memory grant information indicating that a privilege has been granted to a user who uses the first service in association with the first type information; A computer program that functions as a

12. A method for controlling a server, comprising: a first processing execution step of executing a first providing process by utilizing first type of information stored in a memory, the first providing process being a process for providing a first service related to a first printer identified by first identification information included in the first type of information; a storage control step of storing, in the memory, grant information indicating that a privilege has been granted to a user who uses the first service, in association with the first information, when second information different from the first information is stored in association with the first information; A control method that functions as a

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